System for using a channel and event overlay for invoking channel and event related functions

ABSTRACT

A convergence system suitable for accepting inputs from several television or personal computing sources is disclosed. The sources can be output on a display. The convergence system is controlled by a multi-function controller suitable for providing a set of function commands. A processor is coupled to the inputs, display and operably coupled to the controller wherein the processor responds to the function commands provided by the controller. The processor also creates for output on the display a set of channel banners. At least one of the channel banners provides information on available processor functions and provides video feed-back when the processor is responding to the function commands.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to the co-pending, co-filed, andco-assigned applications entitled “Multipurpose channel banner,”“Controlling the layout of graphics in a television environment,”“Displaying layered information using lenticular-like interfaces,” and“Mutatably transparent controls,” all of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to convergence systems.Specifically, the present invention relates to the convergence systemitself and its associated software.

[0003] A convergence system refers to a system that includescapabilities that are otherwise provided by separate systems. Forexample, the Gateway Destination PC/TV system provides for both computerand television capability. Multiple devices are and inputs are broughttogether in one system which typically makes use of one display. Forexample, at its most basic level, a user of a convergence system mayalternate between television programming and a computer program on aparticular video monitor. Typically, however, a convergence systembrings together several television inputs such as radio-frequency,satellite, cable, or digital television. In addition to running computerprograms, a convergence system may access a wide area network such asthe Internet. The convergence system may also bring together severalconsumer electronic devices such as video cassette recorders, laser discplayers, video cameras, game modules, or the like. The user can accessthese inputs and devices through a multi-function remote control.

[0004] The multitude of television channels and other devices accessiblein a convergence system can be overwhelming. For example, a user of suchinformation can find it very difficult to remember information aboutmany channels and events. Additionally, “surfing” through the channelsand events can be both time consuming and distracting.

[0005] One problem encountered by multiple parties using a convergencesystem is that they each would like to watch a separate program at thesame time. Although it is known in the art to be able to watch onechannel while taping another channel for time-delay viewing, thistypically requires the system to be so programmed in advance. If twoparties are watching movie A, which appeals more to one viewer than theother, and the less interested viewer discovers that a more appealingprogram will be broadcast soon on another channel, the parties havelimited options in prior art convergence systems. The parties caninterrupt movie A while surfing for another program, and if they decideto record this other program to view later, they typically mustinterrupt movie A in order to set up the recorder. However, this is alimited solution at best, and poses an inconvenience to the viewer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a convergence system thatallows a user to display information on other channels or events withoutinterrupting the present program and to program the system with thisdisplay information.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention involves a convergence systemsuitable for accepting inputs from several television or personalcomputing sources. The sources can be output on a display. Theconvergence system is controlled by a multi-function controller suitablefor providing a set of function commands. A processor is coupled to theinputs, display and operably coupled to the controller wherein theprocessor responds to the function commands provided by the controller.The processor also creates a set of channel banners for output on thedisplay. At least one of the channel banners provides information onavailable processor functions and provides video feed-back when theprocessor is responding to the function commands.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is an informationhandling system. The information handling system includes a graphicaluser interface in an operating environment. The graphical user interfaceis configured to provide at least one display which includes informationrelated to at least one channel. The display includes a promptcorresponding with at least one function related to the at least onechannel. In another aspect of the present invention, the informationhandling system is implemented through a machine readable medium, suchas a piece of software, or a method.

[0009] The present invention includes many advantages. Among these isthe ability to program the system directly through the channel banner.Thus, the channel banner becomes an interactive component and saves theuser steps when programming the device. Also among the advantagesincludes the opportunity to “surf” the contents of channels or eventswithout having to interrupt the event being watched, which is a greatconvenience when one viewer is particularly interested in a program andanother is not. This feature provides for subsidiary benefits such asthe ability to record without interruption the event being watched while“surfing” channel and event contents. In addition to the opportunity toproviding information on channels or events while watching anotherchannel, the present invention provides the opportunity to programfunctions on the channels not being watched. Thus, the viewer of onechannel can program a recorder to record another channel or eventwithout interrupting the first channel, which is a great conveniencewhen a viewer or viewers are interested in two, or more, overlappingevents. Further, the channel banners provide more than just information,the channel banners now provide the ability to program the device. Priorart systems required the user to leave the channel banner scheme toprogram the system, thus creating an inconvenience.

[0010] The present invention describes convergence systems, computers,computer-readable media and methods of varying scope. Still other andfurther aspects, advantages and embodiments will be described in thedetailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a system context suitable forincorporating the teachings of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 1B is another schematic diagram of a system context suitablefor incorporating the teachings of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 2A is another schematic diagram of a system context suitablefor incorporating the teachings of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2B is still another schematic diagram of a system contextsuitable for incorporating the teachings of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a system embodyingfeatures of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a screen generated by the systemshown in FIG. 2.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method embodying features of thepresent invention.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a screen generated by a system ofFIG. 3.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method embodying features of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form apart hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specificpreferred embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical andelectrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[0021]FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary system context10 suitable for incorporating the teachings of the present invention.System 10 includes a digital processing system 12, which can be in theform of a personal computer or other suitable processing apparatus. Inone embodiment, The digital processing system 12 may be communicativelyconnected to a CD-ROM player or to a wide area network such as theInternet. System 10 also includes a plurality of source devices 13 suchas a radio-frequency receiver 14, a satellite receiver 15, and a digitalreceiver 16, and consumer electronic devices 17 such as a videocassetterecorder, digital video disc (digital versatile disc), laser disc, videocamera, or the like. The source devices 13 typically can be configuredto receive inputs as well as provide outputs. The above describedcomponents can be collectively considered to be source devices 13 inthat they provide the channels or events to the convergence system 10.Those skilled in the art know that a convergence system can includeadditional or cumulative source devices 13 or subsets or permutationsthereof. Additionally, system 10 includes an audio-video outputcomponent 22 that may include a monitor (display), speakers, andassociated elements, and an input component 24, that can take the formof the commonly referred to “remote control,” which may include apointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, for inputtinga plurality of user-desired functions.

[0022] The system 10 can be suitably coupled together in a variety ofconfigurations. For example, FIG. 1A shows a system where the processor12 is a hub and all other elements, i.e. source devices 13 and output22, are connected through the processor 12. The source devices 13 areindividually connected through the processor 12 and receive inputs fromthe processor 12 along a source device control signal line 18, andprovide inputs to the processor 12 along source input signal lines 19.All controls of the source devices 13 are provided through the processor12 also, and thus the remote control 24 provides inputs to the processor12, rather than the source devices 13, as indicated along 23, which maybe a wireless or a physical connection. The output 22 is connected toand controlled by the processor 12 along line 20.

[0023]FIG. 1B shows the components of system 10 coupled in anarrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 1A. However, the remotecontrol 24 provides a signal 23 to the output 22 rather than theprocessor 12. The output 22 is in two way communication with theprocessor 12 along line 20 (not shown in FIG. 1B). Thus, the inputsignals from the remote control 24 are provided to the processor 12through the output 22.

[0024]FIG. 2A shows the components of the system 10 coupled in anarrangement which differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.However, like elements are referred to by like reference numerals. Inthe connections shown in FIG. 2, the processor 12 is not the hub of thesystem 10. Instead, the input device 24 directly controls the sourcedevices 21 and the output 22, as indicated in connections 25 which maybe physical or wireless. Further, the source devices 13 are connecteddirectly to the output 22, rather than through the processor 12.Specifically, the source input signals 18, connected to the processor 12in FIG. 1, are now directly connected to the output 22. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, source device control signal lines 24 remainconnected between the processor 12 and the source devices 13. In each ofthe described configurations, the electrical connections can be physicalor wireless.

[0025]FIG. 2B shows an alternate configuration to the system 10 shown inFIG. 2A. Specifically, the remote control 24 provides only one signal23, and this signal is directed to the processor 12, which performs thefunctions on the system. Those skilled in the art now know thatalternative configurations are available. For example, the processor 12can act as a hub for some of the source devices 13, whereas others canbe directly controlled by the input device 24 and directly provide inputsignals to the display 22. Also, some source devices 13 can be directlyconnected to one of the input device 24 or the display 22, but connectedthrough the processor 12 for the other of the input device 24 and thedisplay 22. For example, the input device 24 can operate directly on theprocessor 12, output 22, or the output 22 and source devices 13. Theseconnections are merely examples, and other connections are includedwithin the scope of the present invention.

[0026] The system 10 is coupled together to form what is known in theart as a convergence environment such that system 10 providescapabilities beyond ordinary personal computer or television operation.For example, the Gateway Destination PC/TV system, available fromGateway 2000, Inc., of North Sioux City, S. Dak., provides such aconvergence environment. Embodiments of the present invention areamendable to inclusion into a software architecture of a computerizedconvergence system as described in co-filed application entitled“Architecture for Convergence Systems,” which is hereby incorporated byreference. Briefly, the computerized convergence system includes views,overlays and system services. The views provide a graphical userinterface which may be associated with a particular application. Anexample of a view is a full-screen television window in which atelevision program or the like may be viewed. The overlays provide apartial graphical user interface cooperating with and consistent overthe views. An example of an overlay is a channel banner which displaysthe current channel and information on other channels. The systemservices provide common functionality or user interfaces shared by theviews and overlays.

[0027]FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the major components ofan embodiment of the present invention. System 30 includes four majorcomponents such as a user interface component 32, a television servicescomponent 34, an electronic program guide (EPG) content servicescomponent 36, and function related services component 38 connected toeach other as shown. The television services component 34 functions toselect various source devices 13 for display and output on the monitorand speakers 22 and tunes to channels on these devices. The functionrelated services component 38 operates for purchasing pay events,watching events, recording events, locking events, scheduling reminders,adding channels to “favorite” lists, and other functions related tochannels and events.

[0028] The EPG content services component 36 functions to retrieve adatabase 40 which includes events and channels from in-band programguides or out-of-band program guides and loads electronic program guidetype data from data services. Such data services may be communicatedthrough a modem, over the Internet, over a satellite, through a verticalblanking interval of a television program, or the like. Database 40 alsoprovides an application programming interface for accessing the data andcommon user interface for configuring loading functions. The EPG dataservices may be used to determine what is programmed to be on televisionon a channel at a given time, the EPG data services may then callchannel map services to determine the corresponding channel and device,and then load relevant EPG if necessary before returning the requestedinformation to the application.

[0029] The user interface component 32 provides overlays that displaychannel and event information as obtained from the EPG content servicescomponent 36 via the monitor of the output component in accordance withthe video output from the television services function 34. In oneembodiment of the invention, an overlay includes currently selectedchannel and event information. additionally, a second overlay can beprovided to include event information for channels other than that whichcorrespond with the video. The second overlay can include informationfor a user selected channel at a user-selected time. The second overlaycan provide feed-back for user-selected functions which permit the userto access the function-related services component 38 with a remotecontrol 24. For example, the second overlay can be used to “surf” forinformation on channels and events and to program a video cassetterecorder to record any selected channel, all without interrupting thecurrent event.

[0030]FIG. 4 shows a schematic example of a screen 50 as provided bysystem 30 and output on a monitor of the output component 22. Screen 50includes a video 52 as provided from a source device 13, or the like,through television services component 34. Also, screen 50 includesoverlays in the form of a channel banner 54 and a browse banner 56. Thechannel banner 54 includes a plurality of fields such as date/time field58, current event field 60, and current channel field 61. The browsebanner 56 includes browsing channel field 62, browse event filed 64,browse start time field 66, favorite list field 68, rating field 70, andbrowse time field 72.

[0031] The channel banner 54 includes information regarding a currentevent, i.e., the event which appears on the video at any given time.Date/time field 58 includes such information as the current date andtime and is maintained continuously. Current event field 60 includessuch information as the name of the current event. Current channel field61 includes such information as the channel name and number of thecurrent event. The information provided in the channel banner 54 changeswith time and with the current event such that it corresponds with thecurrent date, time and event that appears on video 52.

[0032] The browse banner 56 includes information regarding events thatcorrespond with a selected channel when the system is in a browse mode.The user selects the browse mode with the remote control and can accessinformation regarding a given channel or event through the browse banner56 without interrupting the current event. The browsing channel field 62includes such information as the selected channel number and logo. Thebrowse event field includes such information as the name of the eventthat corresponds with the selected channel and time in browsing channelfield 62. The browse start time field 66 includes such information asthe start time of the browse event. The favorite list field 68 includessuch information as a currently active favorite list. The rating field70 includes such information as the parental rating and content of thebrowse event. Finally, the browse time field 72 includes suchinformation as the time remaining in the browse event. The describedfields are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art now know thatother fields may be added or substituted in the overlays 54, 56.

[0033]FIG. 5 another schematic example of screen 50 and an example ofthe operation of system 30. In the example, a viewer has selectedfavorite list field 68 with a pointing device in the remote control 24.The selected field 68 includes several menu-type items 69, including alist of the channels 69 a which correspond with the currently activefavorite list, an edit list 69 b which enables a user to add or deletechannels from the currently active favorite list, a select list 69 cwhich enables the user to change the currently active favorite list toanother active list, and a new list 69 d which enables the user tocreate a list in addition to the existing active lists. Items 69 a-d mayinclude sub-items. For example, the viewer can activate select list 69 cand a sub-item list 69 e will appear indicating all of the activefavorite lists. From this group, the user can select one of the activelists with the pointing device in the remote control 24 in a manner knowto those skilled in the art. Thus, through the use of the channelbanner, the user can quickly and easily program the functions of thesystem.

[0034] Another example of the programing feature is shown in FIG. 6,which is still another example of the screen 50. In this example, a userof the system has activated a rating control menu 76 for a particularviewer. The rating control menu 76 can be activated by selecting therating field 70 with a pointing device, and the rating control menu 76can initially correspond with the viewer described in favorite listfield 68. The rating control menu 76 permits a user to control on-screenthe channels and events accessed by a selected viewer, indicated inprofile 76 a. In the example shown, the rating control menu 76 includesa current rating threshold 76 b. The current rating threshold 76 ballows the user to select the limits of predetermined content thresholdsfor the viewer indicated in the profile 76 a. For instance, the user mayselect limits in terms of “ratings” assigned to programs (and indicatedin the rating field 70, shown in FIG. 4), in terms of the programcontent, or both. Also, the user may limit the access of the viewerindicated in the profile to specific times during the day in thescheduled access field 76 c. In order to make changes, the user mustinput a preselected access code, shown schematically at 76 d. Thus, allthe functions are all accessible through the channel banner 54.

[0035]FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the operation of system 30. Inorder to perform functions on either the current event or on a channelor event brought up on the browse banner, a mode is selected 80. If thecurrent event mode is selected, the following steps are performed on thecurrent event. On the other hand, if the browse mode is selected, thefollowing steps are performed on the channel or event which correspondswith that supplied to the browse banner.

[0036] The user selects a particular channel 82 with the remote control,or the like, and the system obtains the channel from television servicesand provides it to the user interface 84. The user can select a channeleither by its name or channel number. The system then updates the userinterface with basic information regarding the selected channel 86 withdata provided by the EPG content services 88. Such basic informationincludes the name of the event, the parental rating of the event,whether a web site, close captioning, or alternate audio simulcast areavailable, etc. The system then updates the user interface withfunctional information regarding the selected channel 90 with dataprovided by the function related services 92. Functional information caninclude any pre-stored information regarding the selected channel, timeor event, etc. For example, functional information can include anindication of whether the selected channel is parentally locked, whethera favorite list is active, or whether the particular event is beingrecorded. This information is provided to the user in the form of anoverlay 94. The system then prepares itself to accept commands from theremote control and provide video feedback in the form of overlays 96.

[0037] Additionally, the display and enable controls are provided asoverlays in order to prompt the user and provide video feedback of thecontrols 98. For example, a web control is displayed and enabled ifthere is an associated web site for the channel or event 102. Thus, theuser of the system can easily access the web site. Also, a closedcaptioning control is displayed and enabled if the event is closedcaptioned 104. A lock channel is displayed and enabled if a channel hasnot previously been locked or its access otherwise prevented 106. An addfavorite control is displayed to permit the user to add a particularchannel to the list of favorites 108. If a channel or event is beingrecorded, a cancel record control is enabled 109. Those skilled in theart can recognize that this list is not meant to be exhaustive, andother controls or functions may be added to or substituted with the onesdescribed.

[0038] Although the present invention has been described with referenceto preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information handling system, comprising: agraphical user interface in an operating environment, the graphical userinterface configured to provide at least one display includinginformation related to at least one channel wherein the display includesa prompt corresponding with at least one function related to the atleast one channel.
 2. The information handling system of claim 1 whereinthe display includes a on-screen display that combines a graphic elementwith a broadcast streaming video.
 3. The information handling system ofclaim 2 wherein the banner overlay includes a current banner and abrowse banner.
 4. The information handling system of claim 1, andfurther comprising a tuner operably coupled to the graphical userinterface, wherein the tuner is tunable to a plurality of channelsincluding the at least one channel.
 5. The information handling systemof claim 4 wherein the plurality of channels includes at least oneevent.
 6. The information handling system of claim 1, and furthercomprising a convergence system operably coupled thereto.
 7. A mediumhaving executable instructions stored thereon for execution on asuitably equipped electronic system, the instructions for causing theelectronic system to perform a method, the method comprising the stepsof: generating a display, wherein the display includes informationrelated to at least one channel; prompting, with the display, a functionrelated to the at least one channel.
 8. The medium of claim 7 whereinthe suitably equipped electronic system includes a convergence system.9. The medium of claim 7, wherein the step of generating a displayincludes the step of generating a banner overlay.
 10. The medium ofclaim 9, wherein the step of generating a banner overlay includes thesteps of generating a current event banner and generating a browsebanner.
 11. The medium of claim 7 wherein the electronic system receivesa plurality of channels.
 12. The medium of claim 11 wherein theplurality of channels includes an event.
 13. A system, comprising: meansfor generating a display, the display including information related toat least one channel; and means for providing at least one prompt in thedisplay, the prompt corresponding with at least one function related tothe at least one channel.
 14. The system of claim 13, and furthercomprising means for selecting the at least one channel from a pluralityof available channels wherein the available channels include events. 15.The system of claim 13, and further comprising means for receiving theinformation related to the at least one channel.
 16. The system of claim13, and further comprising means for performing the function related tothe at least one channel.
 17. A method for use with an informationhandling system, the method comprising the steps of: generating adisplay including information related to at least one channel whereinthe display includes at least one prompt; and receiving a command inresponse to the prompt wherein the command corresponds with at least onefunction related to the at least one channel.
 18. The method of claim17, and further comprising the steps of: generating a video output; andselecting one of a current event mode wherein the video outputcorresponds with the at least one channel, and a browse mode wherein thevideo output does not correspond with the at least one channel.
 19. Themethod of claim 18 wherein the step of generating a display includes thestep of generating an overlay having a current event banner and a browsebanner.
 20. The method of claim 18, and further comprising the step ofreceiving a plurality of channels, wherein the plurality of channelsincludes at least one event.